Advocate Self-Care Series, Part 2: Micro Tasks for Daily Resilience
By Dr. Kate Watson
Every advocate needs a practical self-care toolkit. At The Advocacy Academy, we believe self-care should be accessible, practical, and woven into your daily routine. Let's explore how simple tools can become powerful anchors for your well-being.
Your Essential Self-Care Tools
1. The Power of Tissues: More Than Just Comfort
Physical Release: A reminder that it's okay to process emotions
Boundary Setting: Use the act of reaching for a tissue as a micro-moment of self-check
Client Support: Offering comfort while maintaining professional boundaries
Personal Practice: Schedule brief emotional check-ins throughout your day
2. Lip Balm: Protection and Self-Preservation
Physical Barrier: Just as lip balm protects your lips, create protective boundaries in your work
Mindful Moment: Each application becomes a brief pause in your day
Self-Care Ritual: A small act of self-nurturing between client sessions
Practical Tool: Keep one at your desk as a visible reminder to take care of yourself
3. The Humble Pen: Your Reflection Tool
Journaling Practice: Quick notes to process challenging moments
Boundary Setting: Writing down thoughts to leave work at work
Stress Relief: Doodling or free writing during breaks
Professional Development: Recording insights and learning moments
4. Chip Clips: Closing Off Work Stress
Visual Reminder: Use them to literally "clip shut" your work files at day's end
Metaphorical Tool: "Clipping off" work thoughts when you leave the office
Organization Aid: Keep your space tidy to reduce mental clutter
Boundary Symbol: A physical representation of work-life separation
Creating Your Personal Toolkit
Essential Elements:
Physical Comfort Items
Stress ball
Comfortable chair cushion
Aromatherapy roll-on
Emotional Support Tools
Small journal
Inspirational quotes
Photos of happy moments
Professional Boundaries
Timer for breaks
Do-not-disturb sign
Noise-canceling headphones
Making It Work
Keep tools visible and easily accessible
Create rituals around using each item
Replace items regularly to maintain their significance
Share toolkit ideas with colleagues
Conclusion
Your self-care toolkit should reflect your personal needs while supporting your professional practice. Start small, be consistent, and remember that these simple tools can make a significant difference in your daily resilience.